We have recently moved to Bangalore and we have two kids. They were studying in CBSE board. We had hair splitting experience in trying to figure out which school to select. After going through most of the schools in Sarjapur road, we have settled down with IIS for the following reasons:
Pros:
Facilities are good with excellent lung space.
VP took time to explain the difference between CBSE and ICSE. Even teachers shown interest in selling their school when we were making rounds in the school. Subsequent visit with Principal imparts that it is the school for above average family and NOT necessarily only for the rich or brilliant students. (definition of rich/above average is up to your mind set)
School administration seems to give good support for sports activity than any other school we have visited. They have Karnataka state champion as PE master. School is about 6 years old and has about 550 students. School provided lunch is not compulsory
Other thoughts:
After two weeks of schooling, the feedback that I got from kids: Some teachers are not pleasant to the kids and in the name of discipline, they are "not kind". The uniform for the girls are complicated. It could have been lot simpler with pant and shirt. Snack and lunch time are cut shortened by extended class timing. Uniform and books distribution could have been better streamlined.
I shall keep posting on yearly basis till my kids get out of this school.
Update 8/Sep/09:
Kids are given one grade higher books to have more time for the board exam. For example, 8th standard students are studying 9th standard books. Personally, I don’t agree to this as it puts lot more pressure on the student. This high pressure gives the kids no time for play or any extra curricular activities. As this is the norm with many schools, I am not sure where to place the blame or do any corrective action.
My son is reserved type and won’t tell what is happening at school. When we were in Chennai, my wife could talk to his class teacher freely to get update and do any corrective action. At IIS, it is kind of restricted. You can meet the teachers only with appointment. If your kid is like mine, you may find it frustrating to know what is really happening at school.
Uniform vendor is a mess. I believe that is the case with most of the schools. I heard from many parents that every year they promised to improve it but nevertheless it remains the same. Transport cost is about 25% higher compared to school like St. Peters or Primus. You won’t get any sibling discount on transport. I fail to understand why it is more expensive except for profit motive.
Parent teacher meeting could have been better organized. Even though one might expect that all the parents are coming from affluent society and they are all civilized; alas, our natural instinct of cutting the line never ceases to disappear. Except for exchanging the marks and general remarks with the class teacher, if you want to meet other subject teacher, it is difficult. As each teacher is a class teacher, they first need to take care of their class student’s parents before they can talk to other parents. Imagine if you have more than one student in the school!
IIS has sponsored ASISC sports meet and kudos to all the staff members and management’s commitment to the sports activity.
Update 29/Jun/13
I understand there is a lot of undercurrent is going on with the school management. 2 Principals has changed in 2 years and teachers have left and the student enrollment is declining. No denying that.
My daughter has completed her 10th with full scholarship due to her achievement in sports. I’m not aware of any school in that vicinity that offers that. Not because I’ve received the benefit but the outlook of the management towards deserving student is what one needs to be aware of. Also, every school has its own set of problems.
This school also accepts payment in installment including transport fee. Again how many school in that vicinity does it?